The recent comments by Hillary Clinton about Republican women, labeling them as ‘handmaidens to the patriarchy,’ have reignited discussions about the political strategies and dynamics involving female politicians in the United States. During a conversation at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Clinton was asked by Margaret Hoover, host of ‘Firing Line’ on PBS, if she had any advice for the future female president. Clinton took the opportunity to critique Republican women, stating, ‘Don’t be a handmaiden to the patriarchy, which kind of eliminates every woman on the other side of the aisle, except for very few.’
These remarks are not new for Clinton; they reflect a pattern of behavior that has characterized her political career. Clinton first gained prominence through her husband’s political careers, both as governor of Arkansas and later as president of the United States. This connection was pivotal in her entry into politics, as she became a U.S. senator from New York and later, Secretary of State under Barack Obama. However, her political journey has also been marked by controversy, such as during the impeachment of her husband, Bill Clinton, for perjury and obstruction of justice.
During this period, Clinton was a vocal critic of Republicans who challenged her husband’s actions, famously coining the term ‘vast rightwing conspiracy’ to dismiss the allegations against Bill Clinton. This phrase has since become a symbol of her approach to political criticism and her tendency to deflect from her husband’s misconduct. The article also touches on Clinton’s alleged close relationship with Harvey Weinstein, a sexual predator, as highlighted by two well-known women who warned her team about this connection. This incident further complicates Clinton’s narrative of being a champion for women.
In addition to these incidents, Clinton has a history of using critiques of other women to deflect criticism and advance her political goals. For instance, she criticized women who didn’t vote for her in the 2016 presidential election, attributing their actions to the influence of men in their lives. This approach has led to questions about the consistency of her criticisms and the broader implications for women in politics. The article concludes by noting that while Clinton’s comments are not without precedent, they highlight the complexities of political discourse involving female leaders.
The piece also raises the issue of double standards within political critiques, emphasizing the need for female politicians to navigate their roles with care and integrity. Clinton’s latest comments, while part of her established pattern, underscore the ongoing challenges and dynamics in the political landscape concerning women’s roles and the expectations placed upon them.